Worlds Apart warns pop-up copyists

The firm said it is aware that certain factories in China are claiming that the intellectual property relating to pop-up tent technology has now expired, allowing them to offer products utilising that technology to their customers.

However, Worlds Apart points out that whilst it is true that one specific patent relating to the technology does expire later this year, it only affects very early product designs.

Other patents owned by Worlds Apart and other UK and American companies remain valid for many years to come and the firm said anyone seeking to enter the product area is advised to take professional advice before doing so.

Neil Shinner, Worlds Apart’s managing director said: "Copying of products is lazy and opportunistic – it gives the perpetrators an unfair advantage and discourages further creativity."